topic Re: Transforming flow items into other flow item in FlexSim Forum

Transforming flow items into other flow item

acsouzajr — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 19:44:13 GMT

[ FlexSim 24.2.0 ]

Hello. I am new to flexsim. Therefore, I am sorry for the basic questions. My problem is as follows: I need to model a receiving operation where truck arrive loaded with, let's say, 40 pallets containg 50 boxes in each pallet. Do I have to, first create pallets that contain 50 boxes and then trucks that have 40 pallets using a combiner to allow me to dismantle the teuck into pallets and pallets into boxes or should I create only trucks, pallets and Boxes on a table at the source and then in the first separator, split trucks into pallets and transport them to the warehouse and then, with another separator, split pallets into boxes to transport them to the production line? How are the steps and parameters to do it correctly? Thanks in advance for your answers

Re: Transforming flow items into other flow item

joerg_vogel_HsH — Sat, 29 Mar 2025 19:01:32 GMT

Yes, this is a typical approach. Pack items by combiner and move items into objects or other items.
You can also start by an empty truck and create items on the fly, when you need them to occur for actions.

Please ask new questions, if you run into direct problems.

Re: Transforming flow items into other flow item

JoaoDias — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 11:27:27 GMT

Hi Jr.,

This is a very common approach when building simulation models. The recommended practice is to initially create the trucks as empty. When the truck arrives for unloading, you can then generate the items (pallets and boxes) at that moment.

The best way to do this is by using a Combiner to group the boxes into pallets by simply changing the flow item shape. This approach is highly recommended because it allows you to easily separate them later using a Separator, as you mentioned.

So, the suggested sequence would be:

Create the truck as empty;
When it arrives for unloading, use a Combiner to create and group the boxes onto pallets;
Move the pallets to the production area;
Use a Separator to separate the boxes from the pallets;
Start the production process as usual.

If you need any additional tips or an example, feel free to reach out!